Virgin Galactic Firing its Rockets in 2012

After a series of successful non-powered test flights, Virgin Galactic's ready to start firing up its rocket engines for full-power test runs in 2012. Which could mean those rich ticket owners may get to go sub-orbital very soon indeed.

William Pomerantz, vice president of special projects for Virgin Galactic, said the company is "already in the process of preparing" for rocket-powered flights of its SpaceShipTwo vehicle. Pomerantz also confirmed that nearly 500 people have already paid the £125,000 ticket price to book themselves a two and a half hour trip into near-space aboard Branson's launcher. [Space]